France is the favourite foreign destination of many British travellers, and it is easy to see why: world-class food, breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history and a lifestyle that invites you to slow down. Since Brexit, however, a few rules have changed, and new border systems are now part of the journey. With a little preparation, your trip will be as relaxed as a long lunch on a village square.
Your Passport: The Two Dates That Matter
Since the UK left the European Union, British passports are checked against Schengen rules, and many travellers are still caught out at the border because they only look at the expiry date. In fact, two dates count.
The first is the date of issue: your passport must have been issued less than ten years before the day you enter France. This matters because, for years, the UK Passport Office added up to nine months of unused validity from an old passport to a new one. A passport showing an expiry date two years away can therefore already be too old to travel.
The second is the expiry date: the passport must remain valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. For a two-week holiday in August, that means valid until at least the middle of November.
Once inside, you can stay in France and the rest of the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Holidays, family visits and short business trips all count towards the same total, which is worth keeping in mind if you own a holiday home or travel several times a year.
EES and ETIAS: The New Border Systems
Two European systems are changing the way British visitors cross into France. They are often confused, but they work very differently.
The Entry/Exit System (EES)
Fully operational since April 2026, the EES has replaced passport stamps with a digital record of each entry and exit. On your first crossing, a border officer or a self-service kiosk takes your fingerprints and a photograph; children aged eleven and under are not fingerprinted. Your record then remains valid for three years, and later crossings are quicker. At Dover, Folkestone and St Pancras, these checks take place on British soil before departure, so allow extra time, especially during school holidays.
ETIAS, the Upcoming Travel Authorisation
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. Once it is in place, British travellers will need to complete a short online application and pay a small fee before their trip. The authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires. Beware of unofficial websites that charge extra for the same service: only the official EU website should be used.
Health Cover: What the GHIC Does and Doesn’t Do
The UK Global Health Insurance Card, which replaced the European card after Brexit, gives you access to state healthcare in France on the same terms as French residents. It is free, and any website asking for a fee to issue it is not the official service.
What British visitors often misunderstand is how the French system works. Healthcare in France is not entirely free at the point of use: you usually pay the doctor or the pharmacy, then claim back part of the cost. With a GHIC, around 70 per cent of a standard consultation is reimbursed, not the full amount. The card does not cover private clinics, mountain rescue, or repatriation to the UK, which can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
That is why a good travel insurance policy remains essential, even for a short trip. Check that it covers medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation and the activities you plan, from skiing to cycling.
For minor problems, the French pharmacy, recognisable by its green cross, is the best first stop. Pharmacists are highly trained, can advise on minor ailments without an appointment and will tell you if you need to see a doctor.
Money Matters: From Contactless to the Taxe de Séjour
France uses the euro, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere, but a few habits will save you money and small misunderstandings.
- Contactless is the norm, yet village markets, small bakeries and some rural cafés still prefer cash, so keep a few euros in your pocket
- When a card machine offers to charge you in pounds, always choose euros: the exchange rate applied by your own bank is almost always better
- Service is included in restaurant bills by law, so tipping is never compulsory; leaving a few coins for good service is appreciated
- Most accommodation charges a « taxe de séjour », a small tourist tax per person and per night, often added on arrival or departure
- Motorway tolls accept credit cards, but some older machines refuse certain debit cards, so travel with at least two different cards
Budgeting is also easier than many people think. Outside Paris and the Riviera, a three-course lunch menu in a village restaurant often costs less than a pub meal in a British city, and it usually comes with a far better view.
The Unwritten Rules of French Daily Life
The French are often described as reserved, but much of that reputation comes from a few cultural codes that visitors simply do not know. Learning them transforms every encounter.
The most important is the greeting. In France, you say « Bonjour, Madame » or « Bonjour, Monsieur » when you walk into a shop, a bakery or a doctor’s waiting room, and « Au revoir » when you leave. Asking a question without first saying hello is considered rude, and it explains many of the cool receptions British visitors complain about. The same shopkeeper will often become charming the moment the greeting is made.
Time is the second code. Lunch is served between noon and 2pm, and in the countryside, many restaurants will not take orders outside these hours. Dinner rarely starts before 7.30pm. Shops in small towns often close for lunch and on Sunday afternoons, while Monday can be a day off for many independent businesses.
Finally, remember that meals are social moments rather than refuelling stops. Service can feel slow, but nobody will rush you or bring the bill before you ask for it. Taking your time at the table is not a sign of poor service; it is simply the French way of life. And for those who want to understand the country beyond its customs, going on excursions with a local guide opens doors, stories and places that no guidebook mentions.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
France is a large country, and choosing the right way to travel between regions can save a surprising amount of time and money.
The high-speed TGV network links Paris with Lyon and Bordeaux in around two hours, Marseille in just over three, and dozens of other cities. Tickets booked several weeks ahead are much cheaper, and the budget Ouigo trains offer low fares for travellers with light luggage. Regional TER trains then serve smaller towns, although they become rare in the most rural areas.
For the countryside, a car remains the most practical option. If you are bringing your own, driving in France from the UK involves compulsory equipment, lower alcohol limits and a few rules unknown in Britain. Car hire is widely available at stations and airports, but automatic cars are less common than in the UK, so reserve one well in advance if you need it. Remember too that your UK driving licence is all you need to hire a car, although some companies charge a young driver supplement below the age of 25.
Visiting France from the UK remains wonderfully easy, as long as you are aware of the new border rules and a few local customs. Once these practicalities are taken care of, all that is left is to enjoy the markets, the wine, the landscapes and the art de vivre that make France so irresistible.
For the latest official information, always check the UK government’s travel advice for France before you travel. Bon voyage !
